MELBOURNE, 9 October, 2024: The Sikh and other communities today held a function to celebrate ‘Bandi Chhor Diwas’ at the Victorian Parliament’s Hall, with many MPs attending along with other prominent community leaders.
Those present included Steve McGhie MP, Viviene Nguyen AM (Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission), Lee Tarlamis MP, and Wendy Lovell (MP), who addressed those gathered to celebrate at the function.
The Punjabi community was present in large numbers and so were so many from the sponsors and other walks of life.
One big attraction at the function was a coins collection including the rare Sikh Empire (Khalsa Raj) coins, collected by Sarbarinder Singh Kullar, which attracted many attendees. There were other coins also including from former Indian states and the British Raj.
Organised ably by Jasleen Bajaj and her team, the event was a massive success, uniting the community in a shared celebration of freedom and faith.
The gathering not only honoured the historical importance of Bandhi Chhor Divas but also showcased the rich cultural legacy of the Sikh community in Melbourne.
In a message Premier Jacinta Allan said, ” I want to send my very best wishes to every family celebrating the Bandi Chhor Diwas across our state. Sikh families make an enormous contribution to the culture, social and economic fabric of our state.”
Sponsors, supporters, activists, and those involved withy the function were honoured with certificates, shawls and Indian sweets. The event went off as an excellent uniting program of the community, reflecting the multicultural ethos of Victoria and Australia.
